Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been taken to hospital for an MRI scan after sustaining an injury during Nigeria’s 5-0 victory over Comoros in the second leg of their second-round qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games on Tuesday.The injury occurred during a first-half collision at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, raising concerns about the availability of the Nigerian skipper for the team’s upcoming matches. Folashade Ijamilusi was brought on to replace Ajibade.
Despite losing their captain early in the encounter, Nigeria delivered a commanding performance to secure a 7-0 aggregate victory and progress to the third round of the qualifiers, having won the first leg 2-0.
Toni Payne opened the scoring before Uchenna Kanu struck twice in the second half. Payne later completed her brace, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty to seal the emphatic win.
Second-half substitute Blessing Okpe also made a significant contribution, providing the assist for Payne’s second goal and winning the penalty that Ucheibe converted.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen expressed hope that Ajibade had not suffered a serious injury while commending the team for its performance.
“Unfortunately, we lost Ajibade early in the game, but I think and I hope and I pray that the injury is very minor,” Eguavoen said.
The coach added that the team had moved on from its disappointment at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and had shifted its attention to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“At the first meeting we had, we collectively agreed that we put the WAFCON disappointment behind us and set our eyes on the gold medal in the Olympics,” he stated.
Eguavoen acknowledged that Nigeria would encounter tougher opposition in the subsequent rounds but expressed confidence in the squad’s talent, depth and support.
“Going forward, we expect to meet tougher oppositions, no doubt about that. Super Falcons are number one in Africa. We have the quality, we have the personnel, we have the support,” he added.
The Super Falcons will face Morocco in the third round of the Olympic qualifiers as they continue their quest to secure a place at the 2028 Games.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has identified artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency as emerging challenges making it increasingly difficult for security agencies to apprehend terrorists.Ribadu said terrorist groups were exploiting social media platforms, cryptocurrencies and other modern technologies to recruit members, move funds secretly and coordinate attacks across West Africa and the Sahel region.
The NSA made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a three-day regional training conference.
Represented at the event by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, Ribadu explained that terrorist organisations were increasingly relying on digital platforms to spread propaganda, finance their activities and coordinate cross-border operations.
He warned that the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, drones and virtual assets had introduced additional security challenges for Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
“Emerging technologies add further complexity: Artificial Intelligence can rapidly produce personalised content; drones and autonomous systems can expand operational capabilities; and virtual assets can create new financing channels. We must, therefore, strengthen our ability to anticipate, detect, analyse and disrupt threats before they materialise,” he said.
Ribadu emphasised the importance of strengthening technical capacity, building institutional expertise and improving collaboration among security agencies to tackle the evolving threats.
He also called for enhanced intelligence sharing across borders and the prompt exchange of information on cyber threats among countries in West Africa and the Sahel.
According to the NSA, the fight against terrorism requires a coordinated approach involving governments, security institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
“Nigeria recognises that no institution, country or sector can defeat terrorism alone,” he stated.
The three-day conference attracted participants from West African and Sahelian countries, as well as representatives of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Multinational Joint Task Force, regional intelligence organisations and international bodies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, to increase his payment following his appearance at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally on Tuesday.The singer made the request after actively participating in campaign activities and entertaining supporters at the political gathering.
The rally, organised in support of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, was held at Onikan Stadium in Lagos State.
Videos circulating on social media showed Portable moving around the venue, interacting with supporters and taking part in activities to promote the President.
However, in one of the viral clips, the singer appeared exhausted and was seen lying on the floor while insisting that he wanted to meet Tinubu and his son before leaving the stadium.
His manager, Babylov, was also captured trying to persuade him to get up as they prepared to leave the venue.
Reports indicated that Portable fainted amid the overcrowding at the event.
Although the singer acknowledged that he had already received payment for attending the rally, he maintained that his efforts and the physical strain he experienced warranted additional compensation.
In the viral video, Portable was heard appealing directly to the President and Seyi Tinubu for more money while describing his experience at the rally.
“I want to see Tinubu and Seyi Tinubu; they have almost squeezed me to death. I have fainted; it is Tinubu that is winning. Did we not collect money? Tinubu, pay me more money; I am feeling so much heat,” he said.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶